Material Testing and Analysis of Metals
in Hydrogen Gas Environments
In response to global climate change, there has been a significant acceleration in the pursuit of decarbonization and carbon neutrality
to address this urgent issue. Many countries have made commitments to achieve carbon neutrality within specific timeframes, withtargets set, such as by the year 2050. Hydrogen energy is considered one of the most promising solutions. Unlike fossil fuels, which
release carbon dioxide when burned, hydrogen combustion causes minimal environmental impact as it does not emit carbon dioxide.
Moreover, hydrogen demonstrates exceptional capabilities in energy conversion, making it a valuable resource for electricity
generation. Recognizing the significance of hydrogen energy, we, Kobe Material Testing Laboratory Co., Ltd., have been actively
developing technologies for various material tests in hydrogen environments. We would like to share our testing accomplishments andprovide insights into our ongoing efforts for further technological advancements.

Aiming for realizing a hydrogen-based energy society
Transport
Storage

Hydrogen energy

ProductionUtilization

The demand for structural materials in hydrogen environments is growing,
but there are remaining challenges to address.

Design-related issue
Is it appropriate to apply conventional design criteria?
■ Is design consideration for hydrogen impact necessary?
■

Electrochemicalreaction

Concern in structural design

Hydrogen embrittlement

H2

H2

Hydrogen diffusion and trap

Solute hydrogen diffuses into metallic materials,
leading to a decrease in various strength properties.

HH
H

H2

H

H
H

H
H

Deformation H
bands

Inclusions

Precipitates

Crack initiationand propagation■

Delayed fracture■

Ductility loss

■Degradation of fatigue life and fatigue limit■

Acceleration of fatigue crack growth■

Decrease in fracture toughness

To evaluate the hydrogen compatibility of metallic materials,material testing in hydrogen environments is essential and indispensable.
Technical obstacles■

H a n d l i n g hy d r o g e n g a s ,which is flammable, requires
knowledge and strict adherence
to scientific safety measures.

■

Material testing in hydrogen gas
environments necessitatese x t e n s ive e x p l o s i o n - p r o o ffacilities, resulting in significant
costs.

■High expenses for outsourcing
material testing services
a l so p o se o b st a c l e s t o thedevelopment of a hydrogenenergy society.

Please refer to the next page for the solutions we propose.

Strength Tests using Hydrogen-Gas-Sealed
Hollow Specimens

SolutionsBenefits

1

Load cellStrength testing while exposing the material’s surface
to hydrogen gas.

Pressure gage
Valve

2

Benefits

3

Minimal amount of hydrogen gas, ensuring safety
even if gas diffuses outside the test specimen.
Budget-friendly solutions integrated with KMTL'score testing technology for various testing needs.

Hydrogen gas cylinder

Benefits

Vacuumpump

Hollow cylindrical specimen

Our lineup for hydrogen material testing services/VSSV^;LZ[4PU

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120

Hydrogen gas pressure (MPa):WLJPTLU

140

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Solid - 4-point bending fatigue test

100

Hollow - LCF
Hollow - HCF

8060

Under development

Hollow - SSRT
Hollow - Creep40

Solid - CCG

200-200-100

0100200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Hydrogen gas temperature (˚C )Testing in ultra-high pressure (120 MPa class) hydrogen gas environment at room temperature■

Evaluating components with stress concentration areas or cracks■

Fatigue crack propagation characteristics, fracture toughness, andfatigue limits data acquired through 4-point bending testing■

Dedicated explosion-proof testing room■

Small pressure-vessel with a unique structure installed intogeneral-purpose fatigue testing machine■

Exceptionally competitive pricing for ultra-high pressure hydrogen gasfatigue testing■Specimen dimensions: 10 mm × 10 mm × 80 mm (maximum)

H2

LoadLoadH

H

H
H
H

Notch/pre-crack

H2H

H
H

H
H
H

Crack

H2

H2

4-point bending fatigue testing using notched specimen

High-resolution hydrogen concentration analysis

AI analysis for fracture surface■

Hydrogen adsorption depends on each material and environmentalcondition.

■Th e f ra c t u r e m e ch a n i s m s ch a n g e i n hy d r o g e nenvironments.

■

Obtaining the amount of hydrogen absorbed in a product in its
operating environment is crucial.

■

Fracture surface photographs are captured with ascanning electron microscope (SEM).

■

Hydrogen concentration measurement is available as precise as
0.00001 mass% (0.1 mass ppm).

■

AI analyzes the images and provides reports on fracture
characteristics.

■

Sample size: 10 mm × 20 mm × 4 mm (maximum).

■■Heating rate: 5˚C /min to 10˚C /minValuable insights are obtained from specimens fractured
in hydrogen environments.

■Concentration measurement range: 0.1 to 100 mass ppm

Scan tolearn more.

At KMTL, we are committed to expanding the boundaries of hydrogen environment testing.
Our focus on higher-pressure, higher-temperature, and lower-temperature conditions will enable us tomeet the evolving needs of the growing hydrogen energy society and our valued customers.

HPTEL

https://en.kmtl.co.jp/+81-79-435-5010

Contact